As Johannesburg gears up to host the G20 Summit on November 22-23, 2025, the African continent is strategically positioning itself to be a decisive voice in global technology policy, focusing intensely on the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Africa is moving decisively past the role of a passive spectator in the ongoing technological revolution, demanding instead to become an influential, key actor in defining the global rules of the game.
This strategic pivot was the focus of a recent high-level dialogue in Johannesburg, organized by the African Union’s advisory body, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), in collaboration with the Knowledge Networks platform. The convening successfully brought together political decision-makers, civil society stakeholders, and international partners to chart a unified path forward.
Laying the Foundation for Inclusive AI
The high-level gathering served as the foundational stage for a robust African advocacy strategy centered on key governance principles: advocating for an AI that is human-centric, ethical, transparent, and genuinely inclusive.
Participants stressed the urgent need to ensure that the rapid deployment of AI technologies serves the developmental goals and unique needs of African populations, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities or importing biases.
“Africa is not just a market for technological consumption; we are a crucial partner in shaping the future of global AI governance,” stated a representative from ECOSOCC. “This dialogue marks a crucial step in consolidating a principled African position that will be championed vigorously at the G20 and other multilateral forums. We must ensure that the rules being written today benefit all of humanity, not just a privileged few.”
Strategic Focus on the 2025 G20
The decision to establish this strong common front now is deeply linked to the upcoming G20 Summit, which will provide Africa with a unique platform to influence global priorities. By hosting the summit, the continent gains unparalleled leverage to ensure that digital equity and responsible AI development are placed at the forefront of the international agenda.
The principles defined during the dialogue will form the basis of formal recommendations and diplomatic engagements intended to ensure global AI frameworks address issues pertinent to data sovereignty, technological infrastructure equity, and capacity building across the African continent.
The successful dialogue confirms Africa’s commitment to proactive engagement in global governance, ensuring that its vast human and economic potential is fully realized in the digital age.
About ECOSOCC
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) is an advisory body of the African Union (AU) established to ensure the effective participation of African civil society in the realization of the African Union’s aspirations and goals.
